A WHITLEY school which controversially scrapped its sixth form centre this year plans to reintroduce A-level courses following the departure of its headteacher.

Bill Alexander, of Reading Girls' School, decided in spring to ditch its entire A and AS-level programme to cut costs.

However, governors have demanded a rethink in the wake of Mr Alexander's exit from the Northumberland Avenue secondary school. They agreed to release the 48-year-old from his contract and he will not be at school when term starts next week.

Dr Albert Waite, who chairs the board of governors, insisted the decision for Mr Alexander to leave was mutual - and governors had known for more than a year that he wanted to go.

"It's not a sudden thing and we have gone through a lot of negotiations. He's ambitious, and quite rightly so."

Mr Alexander became headteacher two years ago following the shock departure of Clare Hallows.

She quit after she was suspended following allegations of mismanagement.

Mr Alexander's cost-cutting decision to scrap A-level courses from this term was unpopular with parents.

Dr Waite, whose daughter completed GCSEs at the school this summer, said: "It's likely that we will reinstate the sixth form - but that's subject to demand. If the demand is there we have the quality staff to implement it."

Pupils entering the sixth form this year will only be able to study GNVQ courses in information communication technology and health and social care, and NVQ in childcare.

But pupils who sat AS-levels last term will be allowed to complete their two-year A-level course.

The 16 staff who also handed in their notice in the summer term had already been replaced, said Dr Waite. Mr Alexander filled all vacancies before the summer holidays.

Dr Waite said: "In the short-term we want to raise standards straight away so we're focusing this year on teaching, learning and discipline. We don't have a big discipline problem but we want to eliminate the little one we have."

Staff member Ruth Allen, who's been at the school for 18 years, has been appointed acting head with Cynthia Balls as her deputy.